DHL Express has announced the relocation of its Cebu Gateway to a larger and more advanced facility at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA | CEB | RPVM) in Lapu-Lapu City. The move highlights DHL’s commitment to boosting logistics capacity and efficiency in the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) regions, where shipment demand continues to grow.
The expansion comes at a time when trade activity in the country is surging. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Eastern Visayas registered a 45.5% increase in exports in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. DHL Express Philippines is positioning itself to meet this rising demand through enhanced infrastructure and improved service capabilities.
“Our new Cebu Gateway facility is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the best service to our customers, especially in the VisMin region. This investment reaffirms our commitment to expanding our reach to support businesses and their operations, thereby contributing to the country’s economic growth,” according to Nigel Lockett, Country Manager of DHL Express Philippines.
Spanning 3,875 square meters, the new facility is equipped with advanced automation to streamline sorting and handling activities in line with global DHL standards. It boasts an inbound sort capacity of 825 pieces per hour and an outbound capacity of 320 pieces per hour. The site also incorporates 100% direct loading positions and state-of-the-art security technology, including shipment imaging integrated with checkpoint scanning, ensuring thorough screening of all cargo.
Sustainability was also a priority in the facility’s design. Energy-efficient LED lighting, inverter-type air conditioning systems, high-volume low-speed fans, skylights, and natural ventilation were integrated to minimize carbon emissions in line with DHL’s green logistics goals.
“The strategic location of our new Cebu Gateway provides unmatched access to both airside and landside areas, enabling more streamlined and efficient transport of shipments from aircraft to the Gateway. This will significantly enhance our sorting processes at the service centers and is expected to result in earlier courier departure times for deliveries and potentially later pickup times,” said Thilaga Vathy Rajoo, VP for Operations of DHL Express Philippines.
With daily inbound and outbound flights serving Cebu, the expanded gateway allows DHL to handle larger shipment volumes while maintaining fast transit commitments and same-day flight schedules. This improvement is expected to strengthen DHL’s competitive edge in the country’s logistics sector.
According to the DHL Trade Atlas 2025, developed in partnership with the New York University Stern School of Business, the Philippines is projected to rank among the top 30 countries worldwide for both speed and scale of trade growth from 2024 to 2029. DHL Express’ investment in Cebu is seen as a critical step in strengthening the nation’s trade infrastructure, enabling local businesses to thrive in the global market.